June in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

June Overview:

• Pros:
  
  • There's a reason summer is a popular time to visit Europe: the weather is mild, days are long and seasonal events are plentiful.
    
    
  • Amsterdam's café terraces and the city's best parks are perfect places to pass the time in June.
    
    
  • On the longest day of the year -- June 22 -- you'll enjoy 17 hours of daylight!
    
    
  • This month includes much-anticipated Amsterdam events like the annual World Press Photo Exhibit, Open Garden Days and the Amsterdam Roots Festival (see below for more).
  
  
• Cons:
  
  • Airfare and accommodations are pricier now than in other months, as June falls within high season for Amsterdam tourism.
    
    
  • By now, college students have arrived for the proverbial European backpacking experience -- touristy parts of the city can reflect this.
    
    
  • Lines to the most popular attractions can be quite long.
    
    
  • Unfortunately, more visitors create more trash (don't be a litterbug).
  
  
• Tips to Keep in Mind:
  
  • Give yourself plenty of time at the airport when departing Amsterdam, as security lines are very long during high season. Central Station is also crowded, so plan accordingly.
    
    
  • Hotels are usually full to capacity in summer months. Make your reservations in advance.

June Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  • Average high: 68°F (20°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 50°F (10°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 2.8 in (71 mm)
    
    
  • June weather is typically ideal for visiting Amsterdam -- it's not too hot and not too cool. Of course, I've felt blistering days alongside chilly ones in June, so be prepared with layers.
  
  
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  • June 1 - 5:26 a.m. / 9:53 p.m.
    
    
  • June 30 - 5:23 a.m. / 10:06 p.m.
    

June Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: While June is not Amsterdam's rainiest month, there is always a chance for precipitation. Be prepared for rain, even if the sun is out when you start your day!
  
  
• Windproof, waterproof jacket: See above.
  
  
• Layers of breathable clothing: The best way to deal with Amsterdam's ever-changing weather is to layer your clothes. Bring a light sweater for cool nights.
  
  
• Comfortable walking shoes: June is perfect for an Amsterdam walking tour, which you'll enjoy a lot more if your feet are happy. That said, flip-flops (or "slippers," as they call them in Amsterdam) are great for the beach, but be warned -- they don't offer much support or protection on cobblestoned streets.
  
  
• Picnic blanket: Sitting in one of Amsterdam's parks is an ideal way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
  
  
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes love often-humid and water-rich Amsterdam in summer.
  
  
• Day bag/pack: You'll need something to hold these and other things, like a good Amsterdam map and that picnic lunch.

June Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  • World Press Photo Exhibit
    Annual; late April until mid-June (2009 dates: May 4-June 28)
    Every year, Amsterdam's Oude Kerk ("Old Church") hosts this world-renowned and much-anticipated exhibition of award-winning and often shocking photojournalism.
    
    
  • Holland Festival
    Annual; three-to-four weeks beginning late May or early June (2009 dates: June 4-28)
    The Dutch consider this month-long festival of cultural arts performances both the official wind-down of the primary performing arts season (September through June) and the unofficial beginning of summer. Music, dance, theater and opera performances from around the world fill venues throughout the city.
    
    
  • Open Garden Days
    Annual; third weekend in June (2009 dates: June 19-21)
    This public peek into the private gardens of nearly 30 homes and institutions is courtesy of the Canal Museums organization. Garden enthusiasts and "brown thumbs" alike won't be disappointed by the artistic and innovative designs in the green spaces hidden behind Amsterdam's stately canal buildings.
    
    
  • Amsterdam Roots Festival
    Annual; one week in mid-June (2009 dates: June 14-21)
    This festival draws acts from Africa, South and Central America, Eastern Europe and many more hubs of the world-music genre. While most performances are held in indoor venues like the Paradiso, Melkweg and Concertgebouw, a favorite festival highlight is the open-air collection of free concert and dance performances, held in the Oosterpark on the first Sunday of the week.